Werner Oswald speaks on the technical press conference in Ingolstadt on 11.5.1950
“We came with a caring heart, and the heart was the more caring the closer we came to AUTO UNION in general and to DKW in particular. We know Dr. Bruhn and Dr. Hahn and knowing work like a hand and foot. And what do we see here now? - The dear old, master-class has come back in a different form!
DKW means: 'The Little Wonder'. This should be renamed: DGW, Das Große Wunder because we have actually witnessed great miracles. We have witnessed how the AUTO UNION managed to build a manufacturing facility here out of rubble, without machinery, with only a little money and the most basic possibilities, which in its simplicity is of a high quality and, as we are not surprised but have seen, has this effort has now led to quantity. We fell in love with the van, of course, and especially with the cute little bus, but the very big miracle, that's the return of our dear old master-class. What has been made of it? Not by chromium plating of the exhaust, but through sensible improvements in this new place has brought in at least 3 HP. What you have conjured up from the old master-class is competitive. That is, I think, the best thing you can say about it. We have brought up many other miracles here and are hearing about the other miracles in Dusseldorf. I haven't seen them yet. But I can't do anything else - as good as I can do - to say a thank you to you, gentlemen."
At the large press reception in Ingolstadt, the following observation was very significant. As the representative of the Dutch motor press dared to call the new DKW people to account. Then you could see the joy of the car's well-made, snappy shape, but what of the somewhat anxious question - will it also live up to its beautiful exterior promises? They observed the interior of the car with interest, bowed their heads over the engine, checked out details here and there and - at first - said only a few carefully judging words, but at the moment when they returned from the test drives, there was only one voice of praise, just honest enthusiasm!
It is not surprising. Because the new DKW master-class is a car, the real wonders of which can only be seen when you have taken a comfortable seat in the surprisingly large interior and feel the steering wheel in your hands. Just a little pressure on the throttle is enough - and the new DKW glides away with a powerful start. The voice of the wonderful, never tiresome two-stroke engine remains with increasing and high speed just a quiet, weightless tone. (This is how fully the engine noise ends up being evaporated!) The road handling is almost unique. The new DKW pulls through sharp bends and over deep southern slopes where others have to fight with the streets. However, the high (continuous!) Speed of over 100 km / h is hardly noticed inside the car, so you sit comfortably in the best-leathered room, and the car willingly fulfills the driver's silent wishes.
What the representatives of the trade press saw and experienced from increased engine performance, lower fuel consumption, improved brakes, ideal road handling and great driving comfort, confirmed with what love and with what great skill the old and now again new DKW master-class was built.
It is therefore no wonder that this car, as a sleek sedan and an exquisite, sleek convertible, is causing a sensation everywhere. A prodigy not just because of any new car, but because it is - a DKW, a new DKW, a masterpiece.
Translated from the German article published in the DKW Information magazine 1950 Vol 3 https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2018/11/1950-dkw-information-vol3.html
Christmas wish comes true: https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-christmas-wish-comes-true.html
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